Varicose Veins: Symptoms, How to Get Rid of It and Treatment

Typical symptoms of varicose veins include:

• The appearance of dark bulging veins on the legs,
• burning and itching around the affected veins,
• swelling and pain in the lower limbs,
• feeling of heavy legs, especially at night.

Varicose vein or varicosities – for some a cosmetic issue, for others a more serious health problem. This disease can hurt, swell and cause other problems. There are various tips on how to treat varicose veins. ^[1]

What are varicose veins

Varicosities are dilated veins that most commonly arise in the lower extremities. Blood is carried from the heart to the body via the arteries, and then returns to the heart through the veins. The veins in the lower limbs therefore work ‘against gravity’ and are helped by tiny valves. If the valves in the veins are weakened or damaged, the blood flows back downwards, causing the veins in the lower limbs to dilate. ^[2]

How do varicose veins hurt?

Varicose vein pain can be burning, throbbing or constricting. The discomfort may worsen if you stand or sit for long periods of time. On the other hand, your condition improves and is relieved if you sit or lie down and put your lower limbs in an elevated position. ^[3]

Types of varicose veins

Varicositiescan take the form of long, thick, dark “lines” that are visible just under the skin (trunk varices). However, they can also look like a network of reddish veins shining through under the skin (reticular varices). Tiny clusters of fine red to blue-purple veins that do not protrude above the surface of the skin and look like a “spider web” are called whiskers. ^[4]

The vernacular name internal varicosities is used for diseases of the deep venous system. A build-up of blood and the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) can lead to deep vein thrombosis, a life-threatening condition. Thrombosis most commonly affects the lower extremities. ^[5]

The diagnosis of varicosities begins with a physical examination, during which the doctor examines the lower limbs by sight and palpation. A description of the trouble is also important.The specialist examination includes a Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs (DUS).

This is a non-invasive, painless imaging technique that allows the flow of blood in the blood vessels to be monitored. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will determine how to treat this disease and whether you need to take medication for venous disease (veno-pharmaceuticals). ^[8]

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent varicosities from worsening, prevent complications and improve the appearance of the legs. ^[13] The following procedures are used in the treatment: regime and lifestyle modification

• Patients should ensure regular exercise and adjust body weight if obese.
• Prolonged standing or sitting should be kept to a minimum.
• When resting, it is advisable to put your feet in an elevated position.
• It is better to replace high-heeled shoes with comfortable lower shoes.

Compression therapy

• Compression stockings are used to promote proper blood flow.
• Compression stockings are available in different sizes and colours.

Surgical solution

• Varicose vein surgeries are generally for patients with more severe problems.
• Sclerotherapy – the doctor injects a sclerosing substance into the vein, which causes scarring and closure of the affected vein.
  The procedure sometimes has to be repeated.
• Laser treatment of varicosities – the laser beam closes the damaged vein and any residual varicose vein is either removed or gradually absorbed.
• Removal of varicosities (phlebectomy) – a surgical procedure in which the affected veins are removed. ^[14]

Many patients are interested in alternative treatment options for varicosities. These are mainly herbs or ointments.

• Preparations from the fir tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) have beneficial effects on blood vessels and can therefore be used as a supplement in the treatment of varicosities.
  It increases the elasticity of blood vessels and relieves pain and swelling in the legs of patients with varicosities.
• Vitisvinifera contains antioxidants that strengthen the vascular system and reduce inflammation.
• Ruscus aculeatus is also used in the treatment of venous diseases – it improves blood circulation.

All herbal remedies should be consulted about with a doctor first, as they may interfere with the effect of other medications (for example, blood thinners or high blood pressure). ^[15]

• Cannabis ointment – ointment with cannabis extract can bring temporary relief from symptoms. ^[16]
• Apple cider vinegar is not a proven method to get rid of varicose veins. Apple cider vinegar has the potential to improve blood circulation and relieve inflammation, but its effect on varicosities has not been proven by professional studies. ^[17]

A number of procedures are used in the prevention of varicose veins, which are also applied in the home treatment of pre-existing occurence.

• Limit the wearing of high-heeled shoes.
• Get regular exercise – swimming, walking or yoga are good sports.
• Minimize sitting or standing time and change position continuously.
• When resting in a sitting position, put your legs in a raised position.

Foot massage for varicosities:
You can gently massage the lower legs with massage oil or herbal products to help stimulate circulation. However, never press directly on the affected veins to avoid causing injury. ^{[18] , [19]}